Ulsan Fans Rally Against Red Stands at Munsu Soccer Stadium
Ulsan fans are making their voices heard in a passionate campaign against the installation of red stands at the Ulsan Munsu Soccer Stadium, the home ground of K League 1 team Ulsan HD. The controversy has sparked the formation of an emergency response committee composed of general fans, who are persistent to preserve the stadium’s iconic blue identity.
The Blue Munsu Protection Emergency Committee recently organized a cheering cultural festival in front of the Hyundai Department Store Ulsan branch on January 17th and 18th. This event was not led by the official supporters’ group, Cheoyong Warriors, but by regular fans who are deeply invested in the club’s heritage.
“We want to maintain the blue gate number that reflects Ulsan HD’s team colors (blue + yellow),” the committee stated.“The purpose of the emergency committee is to oppose the installation of red bleachers on the third floor of Munsu Soccer Stadium and to reveal whether there were any unfair instructions, procedures, or political intervention in this regard.”
The committee has taken their concerns directly to city officials.“I visited the mayor’s office to protest on the 16th, but the meeting with Ulsan Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom was canceled,” a representative explained. “I filed a petition with the Civil Affairs Office and delivered the petition to the staff of the Athletic Support department. after consulting with the City Council’s Culture, welfare and Surroundings Committee, we also filed a petition with the Office of the Medical Legislative Officer.”
The cheering cultural festival is set to become a weekly event,with plans to hold it every Saturday afternoon at the same location.Simultaneously occurring, the committee is in discussions with the club about the red seats that have already been installed and is gathering data to ensure there are no administrative irregularities.
The Heart of the Matter: Blue vs. red
For Ulsan fans, the issue goes beyond aesthetics. “The blue color of Ulsan HD, which is expressed as a blue wave, is more than just a club color; it is the identity and culture of the club with 40 years of history,” the committee emphasized.“Ulsan HD and red have no ancient or cultural relationship. Rather, there is onyl a history and culture that has fought against red.”
The red color is particularly contentious because it is associated with the Pohang Steelers, Ulsan HD’s fierce east coast derby rival. Fans argue that introducing red into the stadium undermines the club’s identity and disrespects its legacy.
A Visual Transformation in Progress
The Ulsan Facilities Corporation is currently in the process of constructing a gradient design for the third-floor grandstand, incorporating both red and blue. However, fans are adamant that the stadium should remain true to its blue roots.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Issue | Installation of red stands at Ulsan Munsu Soccer Stadium |
| fans’ Stance | Oppose red stands, advocate for maintaining blue identity |
| Emergency Committee | Formed by general fans, not official supporters |
| Actions Taken | Petitions filed, meetings with city officials, cheering cultural festivals |
| Historical Context | Blue symbolizes Ulsan HD’s 40-year history; red linked to rival Pohang Steelers |
What’s Next?
The emergency committee has vowed to continue its efforts until the issue is resolved. “The emergency committee will be disbanded for the final time once the red stands are removed,” they declared.
As the debate unfolds, Ulsan fans remain steadfast in their commitment to preserving the club’s identity. Their passion and dedication serve as a reminder of the deep connection between a team and its supporters.
For more updates on this developing story,stay tuned to our coverage of Ulsan HD and the ongoing efforts to protect the blue legacy of Munsu Soccer Stadium.
Photos courtesy of the Emergency Response Committee to Protect Paranmunsu and Ulsan facilities Corporation.Controversy Erupts Over Red Bleachers at Ulsan Munsu Football stadium
The Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, the iconic home of Ulsan HD FC, has become the center of a heated debate following the installation of red bleachers. Fans and critics alike are calling the move a “cruel act that cuts to the blue heart of Ulsan HD and a destructive action that spreads red tide and pollutes the blue waves.”
The controversy began in July of last year when rumors of the red bleachers first surfaced.Ulsan City initially responded by stating that “nothing has been confirmed,” maintaining this position until January. However, at the request of the city council, the decision to unveil gradient-style stands combining blue and red was made, and the red bleachers were installed the following day.
critics argue that the decision disregards the symbolic colors of Ulsan HD FC, which are blue and yellow. Red, conversely, is the symbolic color of their rival, Pohang. “The decision to combine red for illogical reasons is an unreasonable choice that ignores the team’s color and the opinions of fans,” one critic stated.
The Facilities Corporation defended the move, explaining that it was a “difficult combination considering the dynamism of soccer.” However, critics countered this argument, stating, “There is no basis that it must be a difficult combination to express the dynamism of a soccer game. You could also choose the color yellow.”
The emergency committee also highlighted that the Munsu Soccer Stadium is primarily the home of Ulsan HD, where over 200 games have been played in the past decade. “Only three national team games were held,” they noted, questioning the need to prioritize international standards over the identity of the home team.
The project, which cost 2 billion won (including 600 million won from the government and 1.4 billion won from the city), aimed to replace 15,694 old spectator seats on the third floor of the stadium. However, the decision to incorporate red into the stands sparked significant backlash among fans.
Despite the criticism, Ulsan City has already installed the gradient-style stands, leaving fans feeling unheard. “It is an administration that was carried out by hiding and ignoring the questions of citizens, and an unfair administration that ignored the opinions of Ulsan citizens before Ulsan HD fans,” one critic lamented.
The controversy comes at a time when K League 1 exceeded 2.5 million, with Ulsan recording 353,615 spectators in 19 games, the largest attendance since its inception.
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Stadium | Ulsan Munsu Football stadium |
| Team | Ulsan HD FC |
| Controversy | Installation of red bleachers |
| Cost | 2 billion won (600M from government, 1.4B from city) |
| fan Reaction | Strong criticism, citing disregard for team colors |
As the debate continues, fans of Ulsan HD FC remain hopeful that their voices will be heard, and the iconic blue waves of their beloved stadium will remain untarnished.